Tributes pour in for David Hodgkiss OBE following the devastating news of his passing

Tributes have poured in from across both the sporting and business world for Hodgkiss, who served on the Club’s board for over 20 years.

Hodgkiss held the offices of Treasurer and Vice Chairman before being appointed Chairman in 2017.

Sir Howard Bernstein, Paul Allott and Dane Vilas have paid the following tributes to David.

Sir Howard Bernstein, President of Lancashire Cricket Club, said:

“It is incredibly difficult to find the words to express my sincere sadness on the passing of my close friend and colleague, David Hodgkiss OBE. Having worked alongside David for 20 years, I built a very close relationship with him and have the utmost respect for what he achieved at Lancashire Cricket Club and in business.

“His charisma, sense of humour and generosity was without question but above all he was smart, business savvy and well respected, not just throughout cricket but across business communities around the world. He was a hugely influential Chairman of Lancashire Cricket and a fundamental part of the successful William Hare Group, where he was CEO.

“David was a man of great integrity and was tenaciously loyal to the Club over a period of more than 25 years. He was Lancashire through and through and his passion for the Red Rose was unquestionable.

“He took his roles with the Club very seriously and showed immense pride in how Lancashire Cricket was helping to develop the game from grass roots level through to the international arena, as well as the continuous redevelopment of Emirates Old Trafford over the last decade, in which he played an instrumental role.

“The influence David has had extends way beyond Lancashire Cricket Club. The decade-long redevelopment of Emirates Old Trafford and the work he’s achieved with William Hare, around the economic and social renaissance of Manchester has had an impact in the North West over the past 25 years.

“There’s no doubt David will be hugely missed by so many people and our deepest sympathies are sent to his wife Shirley and rest of his family at such an overwhelmingly sad time.”

Paul Allott, Director of Cricket at Lancashire Cricket, said:

“David put so much into the Club over so many years and he never took anything out. He was a truly selfless individual and a huge benefactor to this Club, a driving force behind our commercial success in recent years and a hugely influential figure in putting the Club on a sound financial footing.

“But he never lost sight of the fact that Lancashire is, and always will be, a cricket club and that the game should be fun and enjoyable. David was incredibly popular with the players, taking time to get to know each and every one individually, and took no greater pride than handing out caps to those players fortunate enough to earn their Red Rose.

“He recognised and understood that Emirates Old Trafford was more than just a business enterprise, and whilst he helped ensure the Club’s financial survival through some really difficult times, he was a players’ man, constantly badgering me about all things Lancashire, ensuring players were properly looked after and I know his loss will be keenly felt by them in the changing room.

“He was a father figure in many ways, full of life, and joy and always concerned to make sure that everyone was welcome at the Club and that it retained a family atmosphere.

“I don’t think we will realise the contribution David made until it’s not here. We will all miss him greatly.”

Dane Vilas, Captain at Lancashire Cricket Club, said:

“All of the players were all shocked and saddened to learn of David’s untimely passing. He was universally popular in the changing room and the thoughts of all the players and coaching staff are with his family.

“David was warm, caring and humorous, and his cap presentation to many of the players are moments I know they cherish immensely thanks to his thoughtful and attentive speeches. He loved to talk cricket but was also equally happy to discuss life in general and was generous in giving his time to all of us.

“Above all, it was evident that David was a cricket man to the core, incredibly passionate about the Red Rose and loved nothing more than celebrating a Lancashire victory. We will all miss him greatly.”